The remarks, confirmed to NBC News by two sources in a closed-door meeting, reflect renewed tension within the House Republican ranks as a government shutdown looms.

Frustration boiled over in a closed-door House GOP meeting Thursday morning when Speaker Kevin McCarthy all but dared his detractors to file the “motion to vacate” the speaker’s chair and try to remove him.

In the meeting, McCarthy told House Republicans, “If you want to file a motion to vacate, then file the f—ing motion,” according to two sources in the room who confirmed the comments to NBC News.

It was a nod to members including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and others who are threatening to force him out of the speakership if he doesn’t comply with their demands, like putting certain bills on the floor and not passing a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month.

  • mvilain
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    11 year ago

    Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful…
    if Loren Bobert, George Santos, or MTG filed the motion?

    [listening to my Julie Andrews in my OCR of MY FAIR LADY]

    • @dhork
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      21 year ago

      George is 100% behind Kevin. He made that choice on purpose, because he knows Kevin won’t take any action at all against him as long as he is a reliable Speaker vote.